North Bay Village's iconic Shuckers to close for new hotel, fine dining

Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill, a staple of North Bay Village, recently sold in a $75 million deal to owners with plans to replace the laid-back oceanfront restaurant with a new hotel and upscale dining.

Why it matters: The closure is the latest example of a Miami institution shutting down; many bars and restaurants are pointing to skyrocketing rent.

• For the last 30 years, Shuckers has been an anchor of the area, contributing to its relaxed, easygoing ambiance.
• It's set to close at the end of the year.

Flashback: Last year, the North Bay Village Commission approved a $300 million redevelopment plan to knock down a neighboring Best Western and rebuild Shuckers, along with a 30-story high rise, per the Miami Herald .

• The owners at the time reassured Shuckers stans it wasn't closing, saying a temporary restaurant would be built until the remodel was ready, the outlet reported.

Now, that's not happening . In its place will be Palm Tree Club.

• The new venture will feature a new waterfront restaurant, a 20-boat slip marina with dine-and-dock services, 118 guest suites and a pool.

Between the lines: The project is a collaboration between entertainment company Palm Tree Crew and real estate firm Continuum Company, per a news release.

• Palm Tree Crew was founded by DJ Kygo. This will be the company's first hospitality venture.

What they're saying: "It's been a long-time dream to transform this waterfront island address into the local's hotspot and destination venue we've long known it could be," Continuum president Alexandra Eichner said, per the New Times .

• The developers said the project will be a "dynamic fusion of tropical vibes, coastal gastronomy, and curated music and events."

The other side: "To take an institution, tear it down and create some over priced celeb spot devoid of any real soul is sadly the way Miami [is] trending," one person commented on a New Times Instagram post .

• "If you grew up here, everything you knew is being replaced," another lamented.

Lance Dixon, a journalist and native Miamian, said on X : "It's getting harder and harder to feel like Miami and the waves of developers give a damn about anything the people who have lived here longer than four years truly cherish."